Epiphany

Brought into His Presence for Salvation, Matthew 17:1-9

What does it mean that Jesus was transfigured? How does this affect our understanding of Jesus? What does Jesus’ work have to do with our being able to enter into his presence? These questions give rise to much in Father Jeremiah’s sermon on Jesus’ transfiguration.

image: The Savior’s Transfiguration, unknown artist, Tretyakov Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The King is Here, Matthew 2.1-23

1024px-Edward_Burne-Jones_-_The_Adoration_of_the_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

When the Magi came, all of Jerusalem as well as King Herod were stirred up. Herod chafed at the idea of a new king, the scribes and pharisees were indifferent about the birth of the Messiah, but the Magi continued to search until they found him that they might worship and adore. The King is here whether we want him to be or not and we are called to worship and adore him!

Image: Adoration of the Magi, tapestry, by Edward Burne-Jones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Image location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edward_Burne-Jones_-_The_Adoration_of_the_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place!

The birth of Christ meant that God had entered into his own creation and made his dwelling amongst man in a man. Psalm 84 begins with the words, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD God of Hosts.” These words take on a new and deeper meaning in light of the incarnation and connects us also to the coming of the Magi at Epiphany. Listen now to hear Father Jeremiah expand upon this beautiful truth.

Image: From The 'De Grey' Hours, depicting the adoration of the Magi. Author of the book is unknown. [CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication] Image location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_Grey_Hours_f.71.r_Adoration_of_the_Magi.png

The Star that Leads, Matthew 2.1-12

G209967.JPG

The wise men came searching for the King of the Jews by following a star. That star led them to the Christ child and they worshiped him recognizing something more to this little one than many others who would encounter him in the future. What does all of this mean? How are we led to Christ? What are the means by which God draws us to himself through Jesus?

Image: St Mary Major; 13th century mosaic: Adoration of the Magi, by Franciscan, Jacopo Torriti.